Revolutionary Roli Piano: A Smart Keyboard for All Musicians
At the recent NAMM show, Roli unveiled its latest innovation: the aptly named Piano. This smart keyboard features 49 keys, geared primarily towards beginners but packed with advanced functionalities that seasoned musicians will appreciate. The standout design includes illuminated keys across every octave, serving as a valuable tool for newcomers to learn chords effectively. These mesmerizing keys also light up to illustrate scales and arpeggios among other musical concepts, representing an expanded iteration of Roli’s acclaimed Piano M educational keyboard.
Enhanced Features for Experienced Players
For those well-versed in music, the Roli Piano is not just a learning tool; it boasts advanced capabilities such as individual pitch bending for each key and polyphonic aftertouch—elements that enhance expressiveness during performance. Moreover, it can detect finger movements in four distinct manners while in use. This sophisticated feature enables robust control over MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) instruments, thus bridging the gap between digital simulations and genuine acoustic experiences.
A Cutting-Edge Learning Companion
As a state-of-the-art device incorporating modern technology, the Roli Piano comes equipped with AI-driven tools designed to facilitate learning. The integrated AI Assistant employs generative algorithms to streamline education processes by providing drills suitable for practicing musicianship and offering lessons on music theory and history. Improvements to this application are anticipated throughout the year through software enhancements. In addition to this functionality, buyers receive access to Roli Studio—a comprehensive suite of instruments and preset sounds.
Innovative Integration with Airwave Technology
The new instrument also seamlessly integrates with Roli’s recently launched Airwave teaching tool—a device resembling a theremin which monitors finger movements while transmitting instructional data back to a connected tablet. Not only does Airwave assist in teaching techniques; it doubles as an instrument itself—allowing users to elevate their hands like conductors creating unique soundscapes.
A Statement from Leadership
“Musical education is advancing at breakneck speed thanks to innovations such as Airwave combined with our new Roli Piano and AI Assistant,” stated Roland Lamb, Founder and CEO of Roli during an interview with Engadget. “Musicians now have access to one of the most intelligent music systems available today.”
Connectivity Options & Special Pricing offers
The versatility of the Roli Piano shines through its connection options; users can connect via USB-C or wirelessly using Bluetooth technology. Compatibility extends across all major Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) along with numerous virtual instruments on the market today. Pre-orders are currently live—shipping set for May—with early purchasers enjoying significant savings at $400 before prices increase to $600 upon official launch date arrival.
There’s also an attractive bundle available alongside Airwave priced at $650 pre-order versus a retail price of $950 starting in May.